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September 8, 2008
Quincy RIP
It is with enormous sadness that I report the passing of Quincy. You may recall his valiant battle against a series of eye problems and his amazing recovery following the removal of both eyes. Sadly, towards the end of last week, Quincy started having breathing problems, apparently due to the heart problem that was detected following his surgery. The treatment plan required for his heart was too much for his kidneys to handle and the painful decision to euthanize was made. Thankfully, Quincy had a wonderful couple of months spent with his beloved Lucy and his doting human family.
To me, the most amazing thing about Quincy was the contrast between his present and his past. Quincy was a graduate of the Granville rescue but you would never know it by looking at him. He suffered enormous mistreatment prior to his rescue but demonstrated equally enormous forgiveness. He could have withdrawn from life, living in fear, like Lacy, who also came from that rescue but, instead, chose to live a life of joy, love, and confidence in a world that had not always been fair to him.
He will be deeply missed.
Our sincere condolences to Lucy, Terri, and Jeremy.
Posted by Sue at 6:28 PM
September 5, 2008
How Will You Leave Your Legacy?
For a lot of us, this is a difficult topic to think about. Thanks to Susan (mommy of Lady Matilda Marie the Divine) for reminding us of this very important topic.
As a bunny mom, I know how much I love and cherish our sweet Matilda who came to us from Columbus House Rabbit Society. As a nonprofit development professional, I know the importance of leaving a legacy.
Many charitable or nonprofit organizations will struggle to survive in the coming years without an increase in planned or bequest giving. That's why many people who give generously to their favorite charitable organizations today are concerned that their contributions will be missed when they're gone. They're right - only a small percentage of local wills leave any money to charity. People can continue to make a difference with a little planning.
The first step is to have a will. No one likes to think about their demise, but it's going to happen at some point or another. It's not morbid to have a will when you are still young (our daughter had one drawn up at age 18). Many people make the assumption that their assets will transfer automatically to their loved ones; therefore, they do not need a will. In reality, a will speeds up the probate process and can cause less stress for those you leave behind. Without a will, you lose control over your belongings after death. Your property and finances are settled according to state laws, whether or not they coincide with your or your family's wishes.
The second step is to leave a planned gift to your favorite charity, such as CHRS. Planned giving isn't as difficult as it sounds. You don't need to be wealthy to make a gift to a nonprofit - a planned gift as small as $100 can make a difference and is vital to the future of CHRS.
The easiest ways to make a planned gift is to provide a bequest to the nonprofit in your will or to make a gift of life insurance. To be certain that the group receives the gift, you should state your intentions in your will. I personally believe that making a gift of life insurance is the best way to make a planned gift. If you currently have life insurance (and you should, no matter what), you can designate a specific amount for CHRS in your will. You can also purchase a separate, additional policy as well - a $10,000 policy can generally be purchased for under $50 a year, and you can make CHRS the beneficiary
I can tell you that my husband Ryan and I practice what I preach. We are both leaving gifts to Columbus House Rabbit Society in our will. When I die, my estate will provide bun to bun sponsorship for 250 rabbits or spaying/neutering for over 100 bunnies. The same will happen when Ryan passes away. It costs us so little right now, but it will pay off big for CHRS in the future - without taking away from our family's needs!
I invite you to join us - I can't think of a better way for us to thank CHRS and to say how much we love buns!
Posted by Sue at 6:38 PM
Dogtown - No Rabbit Content
You are probably familiar with the Michael Vick dog fighting case. The National Geographic cable channel is now showing a program called "Dogtown" that documents the efforts to rehabilitate the pit bulls that used to belong to Vick.
Frankly, I was skeptical that it was possible to rehabilitate fighting dogs. But this documentary clearly suggests otherwise.
If you get the National Geographic channel, check it out. It's an amazing story. Warning: some of the fighting scenes are tough to watch. And don't forget the kleenex!
Serious kudos to the people who brought these dogs back.
Posted by Sue at 6:22 PM
September 1, 2008
Life With Punkin
This story reminds us why we choose to live with rabbits. Thanks, Debbie!
My first bunny, Eddie, was a product of my nephew Brian's pair of bunnies. When she died unexpectedly, I was heartbroken. But within two hours, my nephew was there, delivering a gift to me - a new bunny. Brian's parents had gotten rid of the female months before, so Brian went to the pet store to buy this new bunny for me. What a sweet gesture from a 13-year old. I named the apricot-colored little bundle of energy Punkin (though I often call him "Bunners"). That was almost ten years ago.
Life with Punkin has been wonderful! He has traveled with me extensively, mostly in-state, but even all the way to South Carolina and Arizona! He is a real trooper. When he was younger, he would guard the bathroom door while I was in the shower, and when I was on the computer, he would come and tap my foot with his head to let me know he was available! He was also very curious and loved to explore - I have pictures of him on top of his cage, inside a partially empty 12-pack of pop, up on a chair that was pushed under the table, and in many other incriminating positions!
A year ago in May, Punkin had a seizure, then another smaller one last fall. Since his first seizure, he has had many vet visits and health concerns. Last fall, he quit eating the large quantity and large variety of greens I had been giving him daily. At that point he went on Critical Care once a day and Rimadyl twice a day for possible arthritis. In January, for a while, he was hardly eating much at all. He was put on antibiotics and it cleared up, but that is when we started a twice a day regimen with Critical Care.
I have quit traveling with him (except to the vet) because it is stressful on him. I won't leave him with anyone else because we have our routine for feeding. If I have to go out of town, it is only for the day and I make sure I am here for his regular feedings. I am giving up things out of town, but for my Bun, it is worth it! After all, he won't be here forever and I want to do the best I can for him now that he is getting older. He deserves it!
Bun and I have become much closer in the last few years. We have a daily routine for feeding and even for attention time. At lunch time (I'm lucky I live so close to work that I can come home) and in the evening, I will lie down on the bed and he will come, looking for attention. I roll to my left, and he comes right up into the crook of my arm and puts his head on my shoulder. I whisper sweet somethings (they aren't "nothings" because I sincerely mean everything I tell him!), pet him and kiss him. He responds with tooth purrs of satisfaction. I always let him decide when we are done. Usually in the evening, when I am watching TV, he will take a break from snuggling to scratch those itches and groom himself, then he comes back. Even if he goes off to nibble or snooze under the dresser, he ends up coming back for more!
He is my daily blessing and my daily miracle. I love him unconditionally. Thank God for the makers of Critical Care because I believe he has pulled through and continues to be with me because of it. He still nibbles some greens, fruit, and hard little treats but not enough to sustain himself. He has a bad back (bone spurs), bad teeth on one side, and occasionally weepy eyes. He doesn't do the bunny 500 or binkies anymore. But he does follow me from room to room late in the evening, and I take that as a good sign.
Punkin is my sweetheart and I love him completely. He is a very special bun, as you can tell. I can't imagine my life without him. Bunnies are such sweet, tender little souls, and I feel so blessed every day that this little miracle graces my life!
Posted by Sue at 9:47 AM